Lechlitner still salivates for wins

June 14, 2006|SCOTT DAVIDSON Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Melissa Lechlitner makes no bones about her goal as a member of the Indiana All-Star team. To the former St. Joseph's basketball star, it all comes down to just one thing. Winning. "I just want to go 5-0 as a member of this team,'' said Lechlitner without hesitation. "I play the game to win. Losing is not acceptable to me.'' "I want to beat Kentucky twice and go 3-0 versus the Junior All-Stars. Losing isn't any fun. I was 0-3 playing for the Juniors last year against the All-Stars.'' Lechlitner will be a big key for the fortunes of the All-Star squad. The do-it-all point guard, who has signed with Notre Dame, was runner-up for Miss Basketball. She is training with the team this week in preparation for the annual two-game series versus Kentucky. The teams meet Saturday at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., and then on June 24 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. "We have an extremely talented team,'' said Lechlitner, whose team plays the Junior All-Stars tonight in the first of three exhibition games at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand. "It's a great group and I've been very impressed with coach (Julie Shelton of Mt. Vernon-Hancock). The keys for us are to mesh and pull it together. "I don't really know what my role will be, but hopefully I'll be the starting point guard. I'm not sure about that. I just want to bring positive energy to the team. I want to go provide leadership and be vocal on the court.'' Lechlitner has had a whirlwind offseason since her senior hoops year concluded at the end of February. Lechlitner, who graduated a couple of weeks ago, has been in the gym seven days a week in preparation for college. In addition to her All-Star duties this week and next, summer school starts June 20 at Notre Dame. "(Basketball) is my whole life,'' remarked Lechlitner. "You just have to balance everything. I have no choice. I have to be working seven days a week. That's what I have to do to be ready at the next level.'' Lechlitner is capping a prolific prep career. The four-year standout led the Indians to a Class 3-A state championship in 2005 and a runner-up finish in 2003. She finished her St. Joe career as the school's all-time leader in points, assists and steals. "I definitely see being an All-Star as a honor,'' said Lechlitner. "The biggest thing is the respect for wearing the Indiana jersey. We need to live up to the past and also set an example for future All-Stars. "This is definitely a reward. I always wanted to be Miss Basketball. I have no regrets, though, about my high school career. The only thing is the fact that we lost too many games.'' Spoken like a true winner.